Contact Us  |  Member Login

ABOUT US  arrow



Canada Helps

The Hunger Site

Canadian Bible Society
Canadian Bible Society
Daily Bible Readings



buttonABOUT OUR DIOCESE



The Anglican Church of Ottawa
is a serving community of
Christ Centered people empowered by the Holy Spirit



Our Mission Statement

The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa is a serving community of Christ-centered people empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is called to be a sign, foretaste and instrument of the Reign of God through prayer, celebration, proclamation, ministry, compassion, justice and faithful stewardship in l'Outaouais and Eastern Ontario, Canada and the rest of the world.


How the Diocese is Organized

Our diocese is one of 30 Anglican dioceses in four ecclesiastical provinces across Canada. Each diocese is led by a bishop. Presided over by the Primate, the Anglican Church of Canada is part of the world-wide Anglican Communion. Our diocese embraces more than 80 parishes and over 130 local congregations within ten deaneries. Clergy, appointed by the bishop in consultation with parishioners, serve the parishes.


Parishes / Congregations

The ministry of a parish is the responsibility of all its members. The Parish Corporation, consisting of the incumbent priest and wardens, oversees this ministry in consultation with a Parish Council and in concert with diocesan undertakings and objectives. Vestry is the parish general meeting which occurs at least annually.


Deaneries

The ten deaneries of our diocese are organized principally on geographical divisions. The deaneries are; Arnprior, Carleton, Clarendon, Lanark, Ottawa Centre, Ottawa East, Ottawa West, Pembroke, Stormont and the Cathedral. Each deanery has a regional dean, nominated by the clergy and appointed by the bishop. Among other duties the regional dean chairs the deanery meetings.


Top of Page

The Bishop

Bishops are elected by the diocese or by the province, according to the particular canons of the diocese. A bishop almost always presides over the diocese and is sometimes called the Diocesan. The Canadian House of Bishops is a twice-yearly meeting of all bishops across Canada and makes recommendations to General Synod, the main decision-making body, on matter of church policy and nominates candidates for Primate.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Ottawa is the Right Reverend John Holland Chapman.


Top of Page

The Dean

This is the title of the Rector of Christ Church Cathedral who is also the Dean of Ottawa. The is the most senior priest in the diocese and often acts on behalf of the Bishop, e.g. may chair Synod and acts in the Bishop's place when he or she is absent for an extended period of time.

The Dean of Ottawa is the Very Reverend Shane Parker


Top of Page

Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor

Members of the legal profession appointed by the Bishop to advise Synod on legal, procedural and other related matters.

Robin MacKay is Chancellor
Ann Bourke is Vice-Chancellor


Top of Page

Archdeacons

Archdeacons are appointed by the bishop to assist in the supervision of parishes and the management of the diocese. They play an important role in the work of the bishop's committee responsible for the appointment of clergy.


Top of Page

Regional Deans

Each Deanery of the Diocese has a Regional Dean to work with the Archdeacon in facilitating the pastoral and administrative work of the Deanery. The clergy or Clericus of the Deanery nominate a member of the clergy of that Deanery to the Bishop to appoint as the Regional Dean


Top of Page

Archivist

The primary role of the office is the maintenance of all official acts of the Diocese which include: the CBRs, records of all appointments of church officers and clergy, completed parish registers, etc


Top of Page

 

How Decisions are Made

Synod
The diocesan Synod is a council of the diocesan clergy, lay members selected by their parishes, and appointees of the bishop. Synod meets at least annually to oversee all areas of diocesan life including:

  • programs

  • finances

  • canons, by-laws and regulations (CBRs)

 

This section's content to be added shortly.
Diocesan Council
Sub-Committees
Task Forces, Working Groups and Programs


New content to come. Until that time, please view our NEW GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE MODEL

 



Associated Programs
The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa sponsors in part the following associated programs.


The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
71 Bronson Avenue,   Ottawa, ON, K1R 6G6
Telephone: 613-232-7124  Fax: 613-232-7088